Pattern and determinants of endometrial thickness among asymptomatic postmenopausal women in an African population

The occurrence of endometrial cancer may be on the increase among African population due to lifestyle changes. Measurement of endometrial thickness (ET) in postmenopausal women may enhance timely diagnosis of endometrial pathology to improve prognosis and quality of life.

To determine the relationship between anthropometric measurements hypertension and diabetes mellitus on ET.

A cross-sectional study conducted at the outpatient clinics of a tertiary facility among asymptomatic postmenopausal women (no malignancy, abnormal vaginal bleeding or hormone replacement therapy). Participants recruited by purposive sampling were sub-categorized into those with chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus or no chronic medical disorder. All participants had anthropometric measurements, fasting blood glucose and transvaginal ultrasonography. The main outcome measure was the ET while p-value <0.05 was significant.

The mean ET was 2.17±2.57 and prevalence of ET (>5mm) was 1.1%. Mean ET was significantly higher among women <5 years post-menopause (2.53±1.61 vs. 2.06±2.79; P0.048); chronic hypertension (2.82±4.07mm vs. 1.42±1.16mm; P0.026) or diabetes mellitus (2.27±1.08mm vs. 1.42±1.16; P0.005). Parity was inversely related to ET (P0.005); body mass index (P0.191), duration of hypertension (P0.213) or diabetes mellitus (P0.085) were not statistically significant.

Parity, number of years post-menopause, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were important determinants of ET.